3 Body Language Tips to Spot a Liar, According to an Expert

Can You Tell When Someone is Lying?

Have you ever had a conversation where you just knew something wasn’t right, even though the other person’s words seemed convincing? Maybe you couldn’t put your finger on why, but your gut told you that something was off. According to Vanessa Van Edwards, a renowned body language expert, the key to uncovering lies may lie in how people move, speak, and express themselves—often without realizing it.

Ever wondered if someone is being entirely truthful? (Getty Stock Images)

Van Edwards recently shared her insight on the Diary of a CEO podcast where she revealed three body language tips that can help you tell if someone is lying to you. These non-verbal cues happen subconsciously and can provide more information than words alone.

Why Body Language Matters in Detecting Lies

Before we dive into the tips, it’s important to understand why body language plays such a critical role in detecting lies. While verbal communication is deliberate, our body language is often an automatic reaction to emotions, thoughts, and intentions. When we try to lie, we may not be aware of the physical signs we are giving off.

Body language expert and author Vanessa Van Edwards shared the three giveaways that someone is lying (YouTube/Diary of a CEO)

Non-verbal communication can sometimes contradict what someone is saying. For instance, a person may say one thing but their body tells a completely different story. Recognizing these discrepancies can give you clues about whether someone is being truthful.

1. Question Inflection: A Hidden Sign of Lying

One of the first tells Vanessa Van Edwards mentions is related to how people phrase their statements rather than their body movements. This is known as question inflection. When someone is lying, their tone of voice may rise at the end of a sentence as if they are asking a question, even if they are not.

This tone shift can make it sound like they are seeking confirmation or approval for their statement. In an experiment where people played a game of “two truths and a lie,” Van Edwards found that those who lied often ended their sentences with a rising tone—almost as if they were asking, “Do you believe me?”

In contrast, when telling the truth, competent communicators tend to lower their tone at the end of their sentences. This subtle difference in tone can reveal a lot about someone’s honesty.

2. Incongruences Between Speech and Body Language

Next, Van Edwards highlights incongruences between speech and body language as a significant clue to deception. When someone’s words don’t match their physical gestures, it could be a red flag. For example, if a person says “yes,” but shakes their head “no,” or vice versa, there’s a clear contradiction between their verbal response and physical expression.

In a truthful conversation, a person typically nods their head while agreeing with what they are saying, reinforcing their words with physical confirmation. However, when someone is lying, their body language may betray their true feelings or intentions.

This mismatch often happens subconsciously. Our brains might tell us to say something, but our bodies respond differently, revealing a lack of authenticity.

3. Mismatched Facial Expressions

The third tell Vanessa Van Edwards discusses is mismatched facial expressions, specifically disgust. This is one of the most subtle yet revealing signs of dishonesty. The expression of disgust, which involves wrinkling the nose and exposing the upper teeth, can happen unintentionally.

When people feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or ashamed, they may subconsciously express disgust without realizing it. Liars, in particular, may experience a sense of discomfort when fabricating a story, leading them to display these telltale signs of disgust.

This is not to say that all liars will exhibit this, but if you notice someone’s face scrunching up when they’re making a claim, it might be a sign that they are not being entirely truthful.

Can These Tips Be Trained Out of?

While these tips are reliable indicators of deception, it’s important to remember that expert liars might work on controlling their body language to avoid giving away clues. With practice, someone who is adept at lying may learn to control their tone, gestures, and facial expressions. However, for most people, these unconscious cues are a natural part of communication, and they often give away the truth even when the words say otherwise.

What to Do If You Spot a Liar

Spotting these signs is only the first step. If you suspect someone is lying, the next step is to approach the situation carefully. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:

• Stay calm: If you suspect someone is lying, remain composed. Reacting emotionally may tip them off.
• Ask for more details: Liars often provide vague or inconsistent answers. Asking for more specifics can help you spot contradictions.
• Observe their behavior: Pay attention to any discomfort or nervousness. It might be an indicator that they are trying to hide something.

The Role of Technology in Detecting Lies

In recent years, technology has also become a tool in identifying deception. Lie detector tests, such as polygraph exams, measure physiological responses like heart rate and sweating to determine if someone is being truthful. However, these tests are not foolproof and can be influenced by various factors such as anxiety or nervousness.

More recently, AI-driven tools have been developed to analyze speech patterns and body movements to detect lies. These systems are still evolving but could one day offer more reliable methods for identifying deception.

Social Media Reactions: What Do People Think?

Vanessa Van Edwards’ tips on spotting liars have sparked conversation on social media, with many users sharing their thoughts and experiences. On Twitter, user @SarahJones tweeted:

“I always knew something felt off when people use that rising tone in their voice when telling a lie! It’s like they’re asking if you’ll believe them 🤔”

Another Twitter user, @MarkBennett, shared:

“It’s crazy how much our body betrays us. I caught a friend in a lie just by noticing their facial expression. Disgust was written all over their face.”

Many people are now paying more attention to these subtle body language cues in their daily interactions, whether at work or in personal relationships. These insights are helping individuals become more attuned to the non-verbal signals that others give off.

Conclusion: Trust Your Instincts

Body language is a powerful form of communication, and understanding how to read it can provide valuable insights into whether someone is being truthful. While it’s not always foolproof, recognizing question inflection, incongruences between speech and body language, and mismatched facial expressions can help you spot deception in your interactions.

Next time you’re in a conversation, pay attention to the subtle cues that someone may be unintentionally revealing. Trusting your instincts, combined with knowledge of these non-verbal signs, can help you get a better sense of whether someone is telling the truth. Remember, our bodies often speak louder than our words, and even if someone is trying to hide something, their body language may give them away.

In the end, the key to detecting a lie is to stay observant, patient, and aware of the cues around you. By practicing these techniques, you can improve your ability to decipher others’ true feelings and intentions, making you more perceptive in both personal and professional interactions. So, next time you’re unsure if someone is being completely honest, try to read between the lines and trust the clues their body language is providing.

For more on body language and communication, check out Vanessa Van Edwards’ book “Captivate” or follow her on Twitter for more tips and tricks.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images/ YouTube/Diary of a CEO